a1683 B. Whichcote (1701) I. 276 As also put Men in Mind, upon all Occasions, that this is a Probation State, and that Men are here to be Fitted and Qualified for the State of Glory and Immortality.
1736 Bp. J. Butler i. v. 79 The Consideration of our being in a Probation-state.
1858 J. R. McDuff 116 The tented tabernacle suited to their present probation-state exchanged for the enduring ‘mansion’!